Anise-Orange Scones

The licorice-like flavor of anise accents orange in these delicious drop scones. They would be a welcome accompaniment to savory foods, like glazed ham, or at a weekend brunch. 

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  1 medium orange, peel only
  
  


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  2/3 cup sugar
  
  


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  1 Tbs. McCormick® Gourmet Collection Anise Seed 
  
  


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  2-1/2 cups flour
  
  


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  2-1/2 tsp. baking powder
  
  


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  1/2 tsp. baking soda
  
  


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  1/4 tsp. salt  
  
  


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  1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces
  
  


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  1/2 cup golden raisins
  
  


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  3/4 cup sour cream
  
  


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  2 eggs
  
  


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  1 Tbs. McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract 
  
  

Heat oven to 375°F. Remove 6 (3-inch long) strips from orange with vegetable peeler. Place in food processor with sugar and anise seed. Process until peel is finely ground, scraping sides once. Reserve 1 Tbs. of sugar mixture; set aside.

Place flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in food processor with remaining sugar mixture; cover. Process to mix well. Add butter; process until mixture forms fine crumbs. Place mixture in large bowl. Stir in raisins.

Mix sour cream, eggs and vanilla in small bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add to flour mixture; stir until a soft dough forms. Drop by heaping 1/4 cupfuls 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Sprinkle with reserved sugar mixture.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until scones are golden on top. Remove to wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.